Planetary Health Booms: Unpacking the Surge in Research Across the Globe Through Joint-Point Analysis

Planetary Health (PH) is a relatively new field that studies the sciences behind the interaction between the environment, living organisms, and human health. The number of publications in this field has increased exponentially in the past few years. This study analyzed the trend of using the term “PH” in literature. We searched PubMed for all publications (APP) and those mentioning Planetary Health (APmPH) without limitations on text availability, dates, or species. The publication trend was estimated using the average annual percent change (AAPC). Joinpoint Regression Program 4.9.1.0 identified periods with statistically distinct log-linear trends in publication numbers over time. Bonferroni adjustment determined significant trend shifts. The time frame of the retrieved APP and APmPH results ranged from 2002 to 2022 with a publication boom since 2017. The most common study designs were reviews, followed by comments and editorials. The APP, APmPH, and the proportion of APmPH to APP steadily increased from 2002 to 2022, with an AAPC of 6.0% (95% CI: 4.4%–7.6%, p < 0.001), 35.7 (95% CI: 21.3%–51.9%, p < 0.001), and 28.1% (95% CI: 15.2–42.5, p < 0.001), respectively. The term “PH” is increasingly prominent in academic literature, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary efforts. Its growing usage also highlights the need for recognition in Medical Subject Headings by the National Library of Medicine.